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January 4, 2008

Babywearing Tip Of The Week: Babywearing While Breastfeeding

They go hand in hand- the perfect way to nurse baby on the go is in the sling. Here's a few tips on how I go about it discreetly and conveniently...

If I know I am going to be out in public and will need to nurse Gray, I try to wear layers- a tank or tee that has a low neck underneath another shirt or sweater so that I can lower the bottom shirt while the top shirt stays where it is and my belly isn't showing. You can do nursing tops or tanks, too, but I've just found this is the simplest (and cheapest!) way for me to go about things a bit more discreetly.To nurse while wearing your child, I first have baby or toddler in the sling. For smaller babies, I find the pouch or ring sling most comfortable with baby in the cradle hold. Keeping the bottom layer tee pulled down, just lower the neckline and have baby latch on. This bottom tee will keep your tummy covered and then the top layer can be used to hide any extra skin showing if you wish. In the photo to the left you can see Gray has his arms out. Where my hand is where I might be exposed. You can leave your hand there to cover up a bit or if you can get them to keep their arms in, see photo at right where the pouch rail is lifted up.

Of course, you don't have to wear layers. It is a nice plus for those of us that do like to hide our skin a bit. It gets chilly, too! Also, make use of your sling as a cover-up, too. If you are using the ring sling, the tail can be brought up over top.

In the mei tai, wrap, pouch, and ring sling I find that the tummy to tummy and hip carries work best with toddlers. When Gray nurses, he's usually "sitting" in the sling and will rest to the side or nurse "straight on" facing me.

Be sure to hold on to baby in a way you would be nursing without the sling. Then adjust the sling so that it is secure and comfortable for both you & baby. And practice! In front of a mirror is how I've learned that I'm wearing my baby the right way and nursing, too!

If you're uncomfortable trying this around others, I often will casually turn away or go in an area that is easy to get baby latched on. Once I feel "all together" I just go about as usual- and most likely no one will even know there is a baby nursing in that sling!And I just had to include "my eye's view" of the sweetest little thing...Please share any tips you have in the comments below.

Thanks for the info! 6 month old Brooke is currently napping in the sling, she'll be hungry when she wakes up, so I'll give this a try as soon as she wakes up. Heck this may come in handy at the funeral I'll be attending tomorrow.

You're amazing, nursing your toddler. I thought that I was doing well nursing my little Susannah. I prefer to nurse her in the mei tai or wrap - she's nearly four months old now. I'm so stoked that I figured out how to, though. It sure helps me to get things done!!

Hey Steph,I am going to get a new pouch and am trying to decide between the PUJ on the go sling or the Peanut Shell, I know you tried the Peanut Shell, but have you ever tried the other one? I think Libbie would be happier in a pouch than our sling it does not seem to be working for the way she likes to be held up so high, brother liked to be cradled alot more than she does. Anyhoo, have a great Friday. Ame

This is such a foreign concept to me as I am soooo far removed from our breastfeeding days. Alisha, my youngest, will be nine in 4 days. I can see how the slings and such help moms so much. It makes me sad that this something I will never get to experience.